Itanagar: Chief Minister of Arunachal Pema Khandu has called on all stakeholders to educate and spread the message of conservation among the masses to work toward climate-resilient forestry practices in line with the Pakke Declaration.
As chairman of the third session of the XXIII. Arunachal Pradesh State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) on Saturday, the Chief Minister emphasized the concept of carbon credit and said carbon trading is becoming more popular around the world.
He said the focus should be on generating green revenue.
“The Government of India takes the issue of climate change with the utmost sincerity and seriousness. So we must all work together to conserve our forest cover, and our forests will only survive if we conserve our wildlife. It should not only be the duty of the government, but of every individual. If we choose to do this and mobilize people in their own capacity, we can keep the shine of our beautiful state,” he said.
Minister of State for the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Mama Natung; Vice Chair of the State Board for Wildlife, Principal Secretary Sharat Chauhan and newly joined PCCF Jitendra Kumar also attended the meeting.
Khandu proposed the introduction of alternative livelihoods such as ecotourism, the incorporation of environmental education into academic institutions, and the promotion of clean energies such as hydroelectric power and solar power, thus creating a holistic balance between conservation and development.
“We need sustainable development in the country. Our development efforts must be complemented by a stable ecosystem,” he stressed.
“I am also pleased to share that we have adopted a collaborative approach to sustainable development in the state, working with diverse stakeholders to achieve our development vision. Several interest groups are also represented on the State Board for Wildlife. Our joint efforts will surely bring the expected result of a zero-carbon state,” Khandu stressed.
Meanwhile, several proposals – all on deforestation – have been approved by the board for submission to the central government for further consideration.
Some of the key proposals approved by the Board include deforestation for the establishment of a new Balua Border Outpost (BOP) and heliport; BOPs in Bruniand Andrala, all in Dibang Valley District; Forest clearing to widen and strengthen the 20km Itanagar-Jote road in Papum Pare district; for the construction of 135 m span permanent bridge at Pinjoli Nallah on BCT Road in West Kameng; for the construction of flood control works near the general site upstream of the Decorai Irrigation Project at Seijosa in Pakke-Kessang; for the construction of Mipi-Andralaroad in Dibang Valley; for the expansion of the water supply in Roing and forest clearing for the widening of the NH-415 (old NH-52A) from Papu-Nallah to Banderdewa.
The State Board for Wildlife, established under Section 6 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, is the state’s highest advisory body, advising the government on wildlife conservation issues.
Any proposal for development activities in protected areas (wildlife sanctuaries, national parks), eco-sensitive zones or wild forests is first submitted to the board and then sent to the National Board for Wildlife for approval.
Chief Wildlife Warden N. Tam, members of the State Board for Wildlife and department officials also attended the meeting.
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